The WA government will spend $23 million to build a road bridge over the rail line Rio Tinto plans to build as part of its Koodaideri iron ore project.
A contract, jointly funded by Rio Tinto, was awarded on November 11 to a joint venture of Acciona Geotech and Clough Projects.
It will raise 3.6 kilometres of the Great Northern Highway over the future rail line just north of Auski Roadhouse, 200 kilometres south of Port Hedland.
Construction is expected to begin this month and complete in June 2020. It is expected to create around 40 local jobs.
“Rio Tinto has acknowledged the potential risk to the public with their rail operations and are to be commended on their proactive approach to engage Main Roads to construct a new bridge – the safest possible crossing infrastructure for the travelling public,” transport minister Rita Saffioti said.
“An average of 721 vehicles per day use this section of Great Northern Highway, around two-thirds of which are heavy vehicles.
“This project will significantly increase efficiency and improve safety for road users by eliminating the road/rail conflict.”